Pro webcam for video content (4k 30fps): Insta360 Link 2
Real talk: I don’t have the office space for a permanently setup “nice” DSLR vlogging camera on a tripod for recording video content.
And without that dedicated setup space, I REALLY didn’t want to spend money on buying a dedicated vlogging camera (like the $1,000+ Sony ZVE10 ii*, which is what I’d likely buy if I did).
So in my ideal world, I really just wanted a better webcam until that changes. But it turns out that’s been really hard to find over the years, if I’m looking for a webcam that would allow me to record realistically crisp, clear video footage. 🫣
THIS webcam does EXACTLY that!
Since it took me a while to track it down and a lot of research, trial & error in between, I decided to share my experience with you –hoping I can save you a ton of wasted time & energy doing your own research!
What else have I tried, first?
My beginner-friendly C920x by Logitech was fine as long as I was just doing client calls or video calls in general as even that was better than my 720p built-in webcam on my old 2017 iMac and my 2019 MacBook Pro. But when I upgraded my laptop to the mid-2021 MacBook Pro, the built-in webcam was actually better than my C920x and it was time to retire it after a few years of use.
After that I used my MacBook Pro laptop’s webcam for a while, but I needed a riser to get it higher up off my desk and that became a whole thing.
Then I decided to try the Opal C3, which produced a fantastic quality image but it relied on software that was so buggy it was actually unusable. I returned it for a full refund. 😬
I went back to my laptop’s webcam (again) for a while until I got sick of the riser issue (I used this one if you’re curious, because it’s adjustable).
Then I bought a better external screen (Samsung M8 ‘smart monitor & streaming tv’ with a 4k display*) to use at my desk which came with a built-in 1080p webcam. I used this webcam for over a year. It works great & magnetically clips onto the top of the monitor taking up very little space and it even comes with a magnetic privacy hood for the lens which clips onto the front or back of the camera. That said, there are 2 things to know before you use this option:
it’s still just a 1080p webcam, so it’s fuzzy but not pixelated, and not sharp/crisp/clear video footage.
you have to connect your laptop directly to the monitor (not using a hub or dock as a passthrough), using the USBC connection for Apple, or the HDMI connection for PC; Apple’s MacBook Pro either doesn’t recognize the webcam or the camera feed flashes badly/obviously if using HDMI instead of the USBC option.
I also tried using my iPhone cameras with Continuity Camera (a free built-in function of Apple’s operating system that can allow you to use your phone’s camera as a webcam), &/or Camo by Reincubate for the same reason (works with both Apple & Android). This worked well, but became annoying if I also needed my phone while using it as a webcam. 😂 Learn more about that setup here.
I also tried using my DJI Osmo Pocket 3* as a webcam, which is can do! It works perfectly ––except it shows, displays & records the footage in Portrait mode with my landscape footage small in the middle & black bars on top & bottom. Not great. I went to great lengths to try & figure out why mine does this & finally gave up. LOL It’s not supposed to do that, from what I gather, but I couldn’t fix it. Next!
As you can see, I’ve gone on QUITE the journey before finding this gem: the Insta360 Link 2
There are 2 or 3 versions of this webcam now, so you have a few options, all between $150 - $200 USD. (See below!)
I just bought my Insta360 Link 2 so I’ll try to remember to come back here & update this review after a few months of using it –but so far, I’m absolutely THRILLED.
It works really well & shows up in all the apps I use with a webcam, including video calls.
It was ridiculously easy to install & set up. (5 minutes or less)
The video quality is actually incredible! This seriously exceeded my expectations & I was pretty skeptical, frankly expecting to return it. 😂 But it really is equal to that of my iPhone’s (back-facing) camera when using 4k resolution & 30fps, –which is basically like having an expensive DSLR camera but packaged in a webcam sized box.
There’s an app for controlling the settings for the camera, including hand gestures to turn on face tracking, zoom in, etc. –and color adjustments, etc.
You can also use your phone to control the camera if you step back from your computer/desk!
Has a built-in privacy mode where the camera points downward & mutes when not in use (privacy mode is automatic, also muting the built-in mic when in privacy mode can be set in the settings!)
has a quarter mount screw on the bottom so you can also use it on a tripod if ya want!
The gimble works on a couple different motors able to rotate just about 360 degrees horizontally & vertically, a lot like my DJI Osmo Pocket 3, so was immediately familiar with how that works.
It has AI face tracking to move with me around the room if I want, including desk view & tracking multiple faces to keep in the frame.
It has a decent built-in mic with AI features that help with noise cancellation or voice focus if you have sounds happening in the background.
And this webcam auto-focuses really well if you hold something up to the camera for a close-up & then move it, it’ll focus on the object you put in front of it & then back on your face when you remove it.
So far, it’s a MASSIVE improvement!
It’s so much more reliable, easy to use, and convenient!!
Not to mention, it’s way cheaper than buying a DSLR vlogging camera (which typically starts at around $600 minimum & goes up, well into the thousands, depending on the camera) ––and takes up WAY less space in my office without needing a camera & tripod setup to record.
Original version 1 (with gimble)
New version 2 (with gimble)
